Nursing at Sussex Academy

The health and well-being of our students is a top priority. Our school nurses are dedicated to providing compassionate care, promoting healthy habits and supporting students so they can thrive academically and socially.

Whether managing chronic health conditions, addressing minor injuries or providing health education, our nurses work closely with families, staff and healthcare providers to ensure a safe and supportive school environment. We encourage open communication and partnership to meet the unique needs of every student.

Thank you for trusting us to care for your child’s health and for helping us maintain a healthy school community.

Back to School Reminders

  1. Medication at School: If your child needs to take medication during the school day, please bring it directly to the nurse.
  • All medications must be in their original container, clearly labeled with the medication name, dosage, time, and date.
  • Controlled medications must be delivered to the nurse’s office by a responsible adult—not sent with the child.
  • Parents or guardians must complete and sign a permission form for the nurse to administer medication.
  • Epi-pens and asthma inhalers require an action plan from the prescribing physician.

  1. Health requirements: By law, children entering kindergarten or any Delaware public school for the first time must provide:

  • A physical exam completed within the past two years by a licensed healthcare provider
  • Up-to-date immunization records
  • Tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment
  • Lead screening results

  1. Emergency Treatment Card: An emergency treatment card (front and back) must be completed and returned annually. This form includes an updated health history and must be filled out by parents or guardians.

  2. Health Updates: If you have a recent physical exam or any important medical information that the nurse should know, please feel free to send it in or contact me via email or phone.

When to Keep Your Child Home

For the health and safety of all students, please keep your child home if they have:

  • A fever of 100.4°F or higher (must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning)
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (symptom-free for 24 hours before returning)
  • An unexplained rash until cleared by a healthcare provider
  • Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
  • Yellow or green nasal or eye discharge
  • Severe pain
  • If you have any medical concerns, please contact your child’s healthcare provider.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Information

This material provides important information about preventing lead poisoning and raising awareness for families. It does not replace the required lead screening for school entry. Families should consult their pediatrician or primary care provider to determine if lead screening or testing is needed. Those without a healthcare provider can contact local Public Health Clinics for assistance. For more information, fact sheets are available in multiple languages:

Nut Free Treats

To keep all of our students safe, especially those with life-threatening nut allergies, Sussex Academy Elementary has a strict nut-free policy for all treats and snacks brought to school. Even small amounts of nuts or products containing nuts can cause serious allergic reactions.

We kindly ask families to carefully check ingredient labels and avoid sending any items that contain nuts or are processed in facilities that handle nuts. This helps us create a safe environment where every child can enjoy celebrations and snack time without worry.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our school community healthy and safe!

Health Examinations

All students entering public school for the first time and those entering Grade 9 must submit a current health examination within 30 days of enrollment. The exam must be completed within two years by a licensed healthcare provider.

Acceptable forms include Delaware School Health Examination Forms for PreK–6 and Grades 7–12. Alternate forms may be accepted if they include health history, immunizations, medical test results, diagnoses, medications, and healthcare plans.

Lead Testing Requirements

Delaware regulations require children entering kindergarten or age 5 and under to provide proof of lead screening within 60 days of enrollment, in accordance with the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act. Failure to provide documentation may result in exclusion from school until requirements are met. Religious exemptions may apply. Delaware’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program follows CDC guidelines to protect children’s health.

Tuberculosis Screening & Immunization Requirements

Students must have a TB risk assessment, skin test (Mantoux), or approved blood test completed within 12 months before school entry.

Delaware requires the following immunizations for school attendance:

  • 5 doses of DTaP/DTP/Td vaccine
  • 4 doses of IPV/OPV vaccine
  • 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
  • 2 doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine
  • 2 doses of Varicella vaccine or a written history of chickenpox

Exemptions are allowed for medical reasons (with written provider documentation) and religious beliefs (with a notarized Delaware Affidavit of Religious Belief).